Statement on Philippine Election
Statement by the Press Secretary
Announcement of Election Results in the Philippines

The American people congratulate the people of the Republic of the
Philippines on the successful conclusion of their presidential
election. The Philippines has again demonstrated the strength of its
democracy. A Joint Session of the Philippine Congress officially
proclaimed on June 23 that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had won the
election, concluding a constitutional process that began with polling
on May 10. We congratulate President Arroyo on her victory.

We understand that some participants in the political process have
raised questions about the results of the May 10 election. We commend
the people of the Philippines for making use of established legal
mechanisms and rejecting extra-legal options for resolving their
differences.

The United States and the Philippines have long maintained deep
bonds of friendship. The Government of the Philippines under President
Macapagal-Arroyo has been a strong leader and a steadfast ally in the
global war on terrorism. We greatly appreciate its contribution to the
international effort to build a peaceful, free, and independent Iraq.
We look forward to strengthening our close cooperation with the
Government of the Philippines on these and other efforts to ensure the
security and prosperity of our peoples.